SKODA INDIA DECLARES THAT THE RAPID THAT CAUGHT FIRE IN DELHI WASN’T DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT

Weeks ago, a brand new Skoda Rapid sedan went up in flames in Delhi. Although no one was injured in this fire, the incident gave rise to doubts about the safety of the Volkswagen Vento/Skoda Rapid platform as a Vento caught fire at Pune, killing its owner in the process, a couple of months ago. Skoda India investigated this incident and has had this to share about the possible reason for the Rapid catching fire, even as Volkswagen continues to keep mum about the Vento fire,

Post the technical evaluation, we can confirm that there was no manufacturing defect in the vehicle and the fire was caused due to external factors.

Although Skoda India has ruled out the possibility of a manufacturing defect in the Rapid sedan that caught fire, the automaker has been mum about the exact reason for the fire. External factor could connote many things, although it does also rule out improper installation of after market parts to be the possible cause of the fire. Talking of after market parts, it is quite common in India for many car owners to resort to cheaper after market parts such as the stereo and other fittings. Often, this job is done shoddily with the OEM wiring being tampered with. Tampered wiring could cause an electrical short circuit, which could lead to a fire.

Therefore, if you’re buying a car, it is advisable for you to always stick to manufacturer approved accessories fitted at the dealership itself. In case you do want to go in for higher quality after market parts like high end stereo systems, you’ve got to ensure that the job is carried out by experts without taking any short cuts or half measures, which so often is the case with after market fitments. Apart from posing a potential safety risk, after market fitments not approved by car manufacturers could also lead to your warranty being  revoked.

Coming back to the 2012 Rapid sedan, this recently launched car has gone on to become the top selling model for Skoda India. The Rapid sedan is offered with a choice of two engines, in petrol and diesel guises. The petrol engine is a 1.6 Liter unit producing 105 Bhp and 153 Nm wile the turbo diesel engine also displaces 1.6 liters with power and torque rated at 105  Bhp-250 Nm. While a five speed manual gearbox is standard on both the engines, Skoda offers a six speed automatic gearbox on the petrol variant. All said, the car buyer has plenty of choice as the Rapid comes in 8 variants in a price range between INR 6.75 lakhs and 9.19 lakhs.